University of Southampton have created nano-structured glass discs that mean a whole new generation of computer memory. The millimetre-sized device changes the way light travels through glass, generating ‘whirlpools’ of light that can be read in much the same way as data in optical fibres, except the “whirlpools” of light data can be even more precise and allow for the optical manipulation of atom-sized objects.

We are getting so much closer to becoming borg. Science fiction warns us of our impending assimilation into highly destructive and intelligent robotic overlords, the bible warns of the mark of the beast, and possibly a chip implant. Now researchers have developed a method for applying electronic components directly on our skin, not unlike the process you’d get with a temporary tattoo.

I’ve got some good news and some bad news for all the aeronautical fans in the audience. The good news is that DARPA successfully launched its Minotaur IV rocket earlier today with the Falcon HTV-2 hypersonic aircraft hitching along for the right. The bad news is that it got lost about nine minutes into flight.

American researchers at the Rice University in Houston, Texas have created the world’s smallest battery, fabricated with an array of nanowires measuring only 150 nanometres wide — thousands of times smaller than a human hair.

Despite some advancements in greener ways to power our cars, regular internal combustion engines are still going to be around for the foreseeable future. That said, changes can be made to make them a little greener… like getting rid of the spark plug.

When I went to school for my psychology degree, it was quite common for my classmates to sign up as assistants for people who were doing applied behavior analysis (ABA) training and therapy for children with autism. Now, we could be looking at much more technological approach.

How many times have you been to an hour-long business meeting or lecture, and did your best to listen and offer an occasional nod, and then at the end of the hour been unable to recall anything that was said?